Практикум по обучению диалогической речи. Сборник текстов на английском языке для студентов I и II курсов заочного отделения-1

Answer the questions:

1.What is the origin of the word "hospitality"?

2.What was the most important function of a Roman tavern?

3.What is the primary function of the hotels and catering industry?

4.Why have the hospitality and leisure industries become so important?

5.How are hotels categorized in terms of their services at?

6.What is the difference between commercial hotels and resort hotels?

7.What do hotels for the convention trade aim their services at?

8.Who usually stays at resident hotels?

9.What other system of hotel do you know?

10.What does the quality service mean?

Text 4

Food Service

Catering, providing food and drink for guests, has always gone together with accomodatins. Food service is a feature of hotels.

The typical modern "package hotel" includes a restaurant, a cafe shop for quicker and less expensive meals and a bar of coctail lounge.

Hotels also normally provide room-service food and drink that are brought to the guest's room. The rate when the hotel offers accomodation and breakfast has got the name of

"bed and breakfast". The rate when the hotel offers accomodation, breakfast and one full meal (lunch or dinner), has got the name of "half board".

And the rate when the hotel offers accomodation and three meals has got the name of "full board".

The range of food service found in hotels and restaurants today is extensive.

In the first category, there are restaurants offering the highest grade of service with a full a la carte menu. This includes dishes served by the waiter from a trolley in the dining room and is known as gueridon service.

The second type is silver service where the menu can be either a la carte or table d'hote. In this system the food is prepared in the kitchen and then put onto silver flats and presented to the guests in the dining room.

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The third form of table service, used mainly with a table d'hote menu, is plate service. Here, the waiter receives the meal already plated from the service hotplate and only has to place it in front of the guest.

In the fourth type of service, called self-service, a customer collects a tray from the service counter, chooses the dishes and selects the appropriate cultery for the meal. Tourist hotels frequently offer a combination of self-service and plate service for luncheon.

If the hotel's cuisine and restaurant service have gained a reputation, it may increase the hotel's business.

Answer the questions:

1.What does the typical modern "package hotel" include?

2.What does the rate "half board" mean?

3.What is the name of the rate when accomodation and three meals are offered in the hotel?

4.What dishes does the full a la carte menu include?

5.What kind of service is used with a table d'hote menu?

6.What is the difference between silver service and plate service?

7.Do hotels offer a lot of different combination of services?

8.Why is restaurant service so important for hotels?

Text 5

Tourism and law

The roles of government are vital to tourism. First, governments generally set the policy of their country, state, or locality towards tourism. They also regulate the different components of the industry on a day-to-day basis. Second, they perform the research and analysis that result in statistics on the tourist industry. Third, they are often involved in the development of tourism in their areas. This is especially true in the developing countries, but it occurs in industrialized areas as well. Fourth, governments are actively engaged in promoting a flow of tourism. In many countries, tourism is so important that its interests are represented at the ministerial level of government. Spain, for example, has a Ministry of Tourism and Information. One of

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the ways in which countries or regions can promote tourism is by relaxing the kind of regulation that usually comes under the heading of "red tape." Travel is made easier when there are no visa requirements and when the entry formalities are simple.

National policy can also discourage tourism. In some cases, this may work to prevent the country's nationals from travelling outward. Any country can discourage incoming tourism simply by not providing accommodations and catering services or by restricting the length of time a traveller can stay in that country. Some countries have set visa and entrance requirements that severely restrict entry.

Governments at all levels are also involved in day-to-day regulation of the tourist facilities, including various kinds of licensing.

A license is a document giving permission to carry on a particular kind of activity after meeting prescribed standards and paying a fee.

Visa is a travel document that gives permission for a foreigner to enter, or in some cases, to leave another country. It is usually stamped in a traveller's passport.

Infrastructure means the facilities such as airports, roads, water, sewers, electricity, and so on that are necessary before development of an area can take place.

If your tour operator changes your flight, or any other aspect of your holiday arrangements, check the booking conditions in the brochure: unless the conditions allow such changes, the tour operator is not entitled to make them.

Any attempt by the tour operator to limit your right to complain or to make changes to your holiday arrangements after booking is to be investigated.

Even though you do not have a contract with the travel agents, they are legally obliged to perform their job competently. If they fail in this duty, and you suffer loss as a direct result of their negligence, you can claim compensation from them.

Answer the questions:

1 .Why are the roles of government vital for tourism?

2.How can tourism be promoted?

3.In what ways can travel be made easier?

4.How can national policy discourage tourism?

5.What is a license? Why is it important?

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6.What is a visa?

7.Why is social impact of tourism on an area important?

8.Why must catering establishments be inspected regularly?

9.How can people protect themselves against problems arising during their holidays?

10.What happens when your booking is accepted?

Text 6

Tourism in Russia

A lot of people travel for pleasure or on business today. The number of tourists increases. Some people are interested in art, and they visit picture galleries and museums. Others are fond of historical buildings and monuments. There are people who prefer different exhibitions, shows, etc. The industry of tourism is developing.

A unique constellation of ancient towns is located in Russia. While traveling round the country foreign tourists can see ancient fortresses with towers and loopholes, monuments, churches and cathedrals. They can enjoy beautiful landscapes, panorama of wide valleys, abrupt rocks, cliffs, numerous caves, rivers and lakes. Ice caves of gypsum karst are true pearls of nature, the national treasure and pride. The magic of underground lakes and giant grottos, its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites transfer the visitors into the kingdom of Majesty and Fantasy. The labyrinths of ice caves fascinate the visitors by intricate compositions of stalactites and stalagmites, rocks, stones and lakes with amazingly clear water.

For many years the companies Sputnik and Intourist suggested inland and international routes. Now there are a lot of tourist companies and tour operators. They offer hotels of any category, journeys by all kinds of transport, skilled translators and guides, familiarization with architectural memorials, history and culture of the country. Foreign visitors are offered tours to different parts of Russia. All necessary arrangements for the tours are made in advance: air, ship or railway tickets are booked, accommodation is reserved and meals are provided. Foreign guests are accompanied by experienced guides who do their best to make our guests' stay in Russia interesting and useful. Trips to Russia give the opportunity to know the country and the people better. As a result the relations of Russia with other countries of the world are improving.

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The tourist programme "Moscow is the capital of the Russian nation" approved by the Moscow Government has been successfully implemented. The programmes "Gold medallists", "Young teachers", "Gifted children" were highly appreciated by the Ministry of Education.

Several bills on development of the industry of tourism have recently been signed by the Government.

Answer the questions:

1.Why do a lot of people travel?

2.The industry of tourism in our country is developing, isn't it?

3.Is there a unique constellation of ancient towns in Russia?

4.What towns belong to this constellation in your opinion?

5.Why do foreign tourists like to travel round Russia?

6.What kinds of routes do the tourist companies suggest?

7.What kinds of services do the tourist companies provide?

8.Are foreign visitors offered tours to different parts of Russia?

9.Are foreign guests accompanied by experienced guides?

10.Is it a usual practice to make all necessary arrangements in advance?

11.Trips to Russia give the opportunity to know the country and the people better, don't they?

12.What tourist programmes were highly appreciated by the Russian authorities?

Text 7

Great Britain

The full name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom is situated on the British Isles: Great Britain and Ireland and about 5 thousand small ones.

The British Isles are separated from the European continent by the North Sea, the Strait of Dover and the English Channel. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.

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The UK consists of four parts: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. The capital of Ireland is Belfast, the capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, the capital of Wales is Cardiff, and the capital of England is London. The capital of the UK is London too.

The mountains in Great Britain are not very high, the highest mountain is Ben Nevis in Scotland. The main rivers in Britain are the Thames, the Mersey, the Severn, but none of them are very long. The Thames is the deepest and the longest of the British rivers.

Britain's climate is mild and damp. It often rains, fogs are quite frequent. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate of Great Britain. Winters are not severely cold and summers are rarely hot.

Great Britain is rich in coal, iron ores, tin and copper. Coal mining is one of the most developed industries in Britain. Great Britain is a highly industrialized country. New industries have been developed in the last three decades. Such towns as Birmingham, Coventry and Sheffield produce heavy machines, railway carriages and moto-cars. Ship-building industry is concentrated in London, Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool and Belfast. New branches of industry have appeared: electronics, radio, chemical industry and others. The educational centers in Great Britain are Oxford and Cambridge with the world famous oldest Universities.

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. This means that it has a monarch (a king or a queen) as its Head of State. The present British monarch is Queen Elizabeth II, who succeeded to the throne in 1952. The monarch has very little power and can only reign with the support of Parliament. Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

The House of Commons is made up of 650 elected members, known as Members of Parliament (or MPs). The House of Lords consists of more than 1,000 hereditary lords and peers. It has very little power. In reality, the House of Commons is the only one that has true power: it introduces new bills. Then they go to the House of Lords for approval, and finally the monarch signs them. Only then they can become laws. The party, which wins the majority of seats in the House of Commons, forms the Government and its leader usually becomes Prime Minister. The largest minority

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party becomes the Opposition (or the "Shadow Cabinet"). The Prime Minister chooses about 20 MPs from his or her party and forms his or her Cabinet Ministers.

The two main political parties in Great Britain are the Conservative party (the Tory) and the Labour party. Other political parties are the Liberal, the SocialDemocratic and the Communist parties. Now the Labour party is in power. At present Antony Blayer, the leader of the Labour party, is Britain's Prime Minister.

The flag of the UK, known as the Union Jack, is made up of three crosses: the upright red cross, the white diagonal cross and the red diagonal cross. They symbolize England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.

Answer the questions:

1.What is the full name of the UK'?

2.What islands make up the UK?

3.What ocean and seas are the British Isles washed by?

4.How many parts does the Island of Great Britain consist of and what are they called?

5.Are there any high mountains in Great Britain?

6.What is the climate like in Great Britain?

7.What are the capitals of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England?

8.What are the main industries in the UK?

9.What are the main industrial towns in the UK?

10.What is the political system of the UK?

11.Who is the head of the UK?

12.How is the monarch's power limited?

13.What Houses does the British Parliament consist of?

14.How long has Queen Elizabeth II reigned?

15.What political parties are there in Britain today'?

Text 8

Britain's attractions

Whatever the season, wherever you go. Britain has something for everyone. A culture is rich in folklore and tradition, a heritage proudly displayed in stately homes,

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historic castles and fascinating museums, a scenic beauty which lends itself to discovery whether on a leisurely motoring tour or an activity holiday. There are exciting cities, ancient towns and quaint rural villages, each with its own unique character and history. What is more you can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome from the British people, particularly in the heart of the countryside where you will find them ever willing to help you out and give advice.

Summer is a relaxing time when the British make the most of the warm sunshine. You can enjoy a leisurely picnic in the countryside, a peaceful cruise down the river or a hike along the dramatic coastline. Pub gardens and pavement cafes are hives of activity and long summer evenings are perfect for barbecues or perhaps a stroll along the beach. The season is marked by various special celebrations. In some parts of Scotland, Cornwall and Northumbria mid-summer fires are lit, as in preChristian times when this ritual was performed to give strength to the sun and drive out evil. Open-air theatre and classical concerts make delightful entertainment. The Henry Wood Promenade Concerts begin in July, this is the world's largest music festival held in the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall.

In autumn the British landscape assumes a breathtaking beauty. Woodlands take on a vivid hue as the trees turn from green to fiery oranges and reds, golden fields of corn sway in the breeze and the purple magnificence of the heather on the moors is stunning. This is an ideal time for country walks in the crisp autumn air. It is the harvests season, and once the crops have been gathered rural communities celebrate harvest festivals. Churches are decorated with flowers, fruit and wheat sheaves. Halloween is a night of traditional fun and games. November 5 is Guy Fawkes night. The northern towns of Blackpool. Morecambe and Sunderland are lit up with spectacular illuminations. In Wales, Swansea holds its annual arts festival throughout October, followed in Northern Ireland by the Belfast Festival in November. Vintage car enthusiasts will line the route of the London to Brighton rally on November 3.

In the winter months Britain's cities provide a wealth of entertainment. You can spend hours in splendid art galleries and museums or escape from the cold with a visit to the theatre, ballet or opera. It is a peaceful time for exploring historic towns and

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picturesque villages. There is a buzz in the air as Christmas approaches. Lights and brightly decorated trees illuminate streets, carols ring out from cathedrals and churches. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Christmas at many hotels and sample festive fare from turkey to mince pies and plum pudding. New Year's Eve is a night of merrymaking particularly in Scotland. Festivities in the Grampian village of Stonehaven include 'Swinging the Fireballs'. On Shrove Thursday pancakes are tossed and eaten in many British homes. Buckinghamshire stages one of the most famous pancakes races. In Ashbourne the customary Shrovetide football match takes place on a pitch with goal posts three miles apart.

Spring sees Britain at its most glorious as the countryside awakens to the carnival of colour. The magnificent gardens of stately homes and historic houses burst into bloom and can be enjoyed peacefully before the summer visitors flock in. The Chelsea Flower Show held annually in May is an event not to be missed. Spring sees the start of a new Shakespeare Theatre Season at Stratford-upon-Avon and in Glasgow, the Mayfest is an internationally renowned arts festival.

Answer the questions:

1.What expresses cultural and historic heritage of England?

2.Where can a visitor get an especially a warm and friendly welcome?

3.When can you get the most of the warm sunshine in Britain?

4.What are the best activities in summer?

5.What are special summer celebrations in the north of Britain?

6.Which season is ideal for crisp country walks and why?

7.How do Englishmen celebrate autumn holidays?

8.Which parts of Britain are worth visiting in autumn?

9.What kinds of entertainment are provided in Britain in winter months?

10.Where can a visitor enjoy a traditional English Christmas?

1l. In which season does The Chelsea Flower Show take place? 12. What events is the British spring famous for?

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Text 9

Customs and traditions in England

When foreigners come to England, they are struck at once by a great number of customs and traditions in English life. They may seem strange to visitors but the English still keep up these old customs.

There are two kinds of holidays in England: public holidays and national holidays. On public holidays people don't work. While national holidays are working days, but people observe them in one way or another.

Public holidays are: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Spring Bank Holiday and Summer Bank Holiday. Public holidays in Britain are called bank holidays, because the banks as well as most of the offices and shops are closed.

Among national holidays there are Pancake Day, April Fool's Day, Hallo-

ween, Guy Fawkes Night, St. Valentine's Day, Burns Night and others.

On the 5th of November 1605, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I. He didn't succeed. The King's men found the bomb, took Guy Fawkes to the Tower and cut off his head.

Since that day the British celebrate the 5th of November. They burn a dummy, made of straw and old clothes, on a bonfire and let off fireworks. This dummy is called a "guy" (like Guy Fawkes).

On the 14th of February people celebrate St. Valentine's Day by sending a card to the one they love.

Another national holiday is Burns Night in Scotland. This holiday is dedicated to the memory of the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. It is held on the 25th of January by all Burns Clubs to mark his birth.

Among other traditions that most Englishmen observe is 5 o'clock tea. It is a very light meal and the time when "everything stops for tea" in England and this became a kind of ritual.

The most original ancient tradition is the Tower ravens. The six ravens have lived in the Tower from its very beginning over 900 years. They used to come in from Essex for food cracks when the Tower was used as a palace. Over the years

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